What to do with Dijon mustard

A dollop of this staple adds a welcome bite to sharpen and
season many a savoury dish.

Fresh hero ingredients are key to a great meal, but don't
underestimate the importance of the oft-overlooked items in your
pantry that bring a whole world of flavour to the table. One of our
favourite family of food items is condiments. A dollop of great
relish, a squeeze of spicy sriracha or a few cornichons, for
instance, can give a lift to a ho-hum meal.

Dijon mustard is one of our favourites. With its unique flavour
and mellow spice, it adds zing to all manner of dishes, via a
vinaigrette for a crisp salad, say, or by adding extra kick to a
shop-bought mayo. Brush it over a chicken before roasting it, and
stir a spoonful into the pan juices afterwards with a splash of dry
white wine and a little stock to make a tasty gravy. Slather it
over roast beef tenderloin and, of course, serve the beef with a
jar of Dijon on the table. Perhaps our favourite is the cheat's
schnitzel: in lieu of egging and flouring, the mustard brushed over
the meat acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs.

The ultimate pantry staple, mustard can last for two or three
years unopened and for up to a year in the fridge once it's
opened.

Cheat's chicken schnitzel
Serves 2
Combine 150gm coarse sourdough breadcrumbs in a bowl with 1 tbsp
finely chopped thyme and the finely grated rind of 1 lemon, season
to taste and set aside. Halve 2 chicken breast fillets horizontally
to form thin pieces, then pound each between sheets of baking paper
until about 3mm thick. Brush each piece thickly with Dijon mustard,
then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Place on a
tray and refrigerate until required (this can be done a day ahead)
or use straight away. Heat 1½ tbsp olive oil and 20gm butter in a
large frying pan over medium-high heat until butter foams, add half
the chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until golden
brown (3-4 minutes). Transfer to a plate, wipe out pan with paper
towels and repeat. Serve hot with extra Dijon mustard, a crisp
green salad and lemon wedges.